Wood-paneled walls often get a bad rap as being dated, dark and a serious design challenge. When paired with a fireplace, though, a wood-paneled wall can create a cozy, inviting look for your living room, family room or den. The key is choosing a look that fits the rest of your decor and decorating around the paneling and fireplace to play up their assets.

Dress up the Surround

If you feel like your fireplace gets lost among the paneling, make a bold statement with its surround. You can paint a wooden or brick surround in a pale neutral shade like cream or ivory to brighten the room and create a contrast with the wood tones of the paneling. Covering the surround with colorful ceramic tile can also help it stand out from the paneling. For an elegant look, opt for stone tile like marble or slate to create a subtle contrast with the wood paneling.

Let There Be Light

Wood paneling can often make a room feel dark and closed in. To avoid that cave-like feel, opt for a design that incorporates plenty of light into the room. An overhead fixture like a chandelier or pendant lights work well, but you can also mount sconces on the paneling itself to provide more concentrated light. Place a pair on the wall above the fireplace on either side of the surround for a balanced look. You can also hang a mirror with a striking decorative frame on the paneling above the fireplace -- the mirror will reflect light to brighten the paneling and room in general.

Paint It

If you feel like the paneling isn't working your room, you don't necessarily have to rip it out. Painting it in a light color can help brighten the wall and create an accent for the space. You can paint the fireplace surround to match for a dramatic look that gives the appearance that the fireplace takes up the entire wall. White is an ideal option if you want a crisp, classic look for the room. However, depending on the other colors in the decor, you may prefer a deep tan or buttery yellow for added warmth.

Keep It Simple

For paneling that has an attractive, contemporary look like flat panel or board-and-batten paneling, you may actually want to showcase it. Paired with a fireplace, it can have a cozy, elegant look that works well in a living room, dining room or den. Instead of loading up the wall with accessories like framed artwork, sconces or a mirror, leave the wall bare. While the look is definitely minimal, it allows the paneling to take center stage and gives the room a sharp, modern look that isn't usually associated with wood paneling.

About the Author

Based in New York City, Jennifer Blair has been covering all things home and garden since 2001. Her writing has appeared on BobVila.com, World Lifestyle, and House Logic. Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Seminars from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.